China’s Ice and Snow Economy: A Growing Industry
From winter sports to snow tourism, China is actively tapping into its ice and snow resources to create new growth drivers for the world’s second-largest economy. According to multiple officials and experts, tourists are now more willing to pay for leisure and cultural activities related to ice and snow tourism.
Unique Cultural Experiences
Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, notes that tourists look for unique folk customs and cultural heritage of the region. Once they arrive at their destinations, they seek out accommodation, dining options, and interactions with locals. This is where China’s ice and snow economy excels, with destinations like Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, offering a range of experiences.
Harbin’s Thriving Ice and Snow Economy
Harbin, China’s northernmost provincial capital, has become a hub for ice and snow tourism. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, Harbin Ice-Snow World attracted over 610,000 visits. This ice theme park features dazzling ice sculptures and saw more than 100,000 visits on February 1, setting a new record for daily attendance.
Other Destinations
In addition to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province offers other ice and snow tourism attractions. These include the snow-covered forests of Yichun, winter birdwatching in Qiqihar, and aurora viewing in Mohe, near the China-Russia border.
Dual Manufacturing-Service Model
Peng Fuwei, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, notes that China has established a dual manufacturing-service model to develop its ice and snow economy. The country can now produce 15 types of ice and snow sports equipment, ranging from snowboards to snow-making machines. In ice and snow services, multiple sectors are flourishing, including competitions and performances, catering and accommodation, winter sports training, and leisure tourism.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the central budget will continue to support the construction of public service facilities for eligible ice and snow sports and tourism. Qualifying ice and snow tourism equipment will also receive support through ultra-long special treasury bonds for equipment upgrades. By 2030, the industry is expected to play a greater role in expanding employment and promoting high-quality development. Ice and snow consumption will be a key growth driver for domestic demand.
Projected Growth
By then, several high-quality destinations for ice sports and tourism will be established, and the total scale of the ice and snow economy is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (approximately US$ 209.2 billion).
Conclusion
China’s ice and snow economy is poised for significant growth, driven by a combination of manufacturing and services. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and equipment, tourists can expect an increasingly sophisticated range of experiences. With its unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, China is well-positioned to become a leading destination for ice and snow tourism.
FAQs
Q: What are the main attractions of China’s ice and snow economy?
A: The main attractions include ice and snow sports, ice sculpture festivals, and winter festivals.
Q: How is China’s ice and snow economy expected to grow?
A: China’s ice and snow economy is expected to grow significantly, with a projected total scale of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.
Q: What are the main sectors of the ice and snow economy?
A: The main sectors include ice and snow sports equipment manufacturing, ice and snow services, and tourism.
Q: What are the unique cultural experiences offered by China’s ice and snow economy?
A: The unique cultural experiences offered by China’s ice and snow economy include interactions with locals, traditional festivals, and folk customs.